The health of the inner corneal layers is essential to your vision and eye health because the cornea helps focus light into your eye so you can see clearly.
What Is DSEK?
If your cornea becomes swollen or cloudy from corneal endothelial disease, you may need a corneal transplant to improve the vitality of your cornea. Thanks to newer advancements in technology, a full-thickness corneal transplant may not be needed for patients with diseased or damaged corneas. A partial-thickness corneal transplant, known as Descemet’s stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK), removes only the inner corneal layer (endothelium). That section is replaced with a thin sample of donor tissue to provide better vision. This is unlike a full-thickness transplant, which involves removing and replacing the entire cornea. Board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Ralph Chu utilizes cutting-edge technology to perform DSEK surgeries for patients with various types of severe corneal disease or injury. To learn more, contact Chu Vision Institute in Bloomington, MN to schedule a consultation.
Who Needs DSEK?
The most common candidates for DSEK are individuals with Fuchs’ dystrophy, an inherited condition that causes blurry or cloudy vision. Other symptoms include pain around the eye, as well as glare or halos around lights. DSEK is also a recommended treatment for some patients with other eye diseases or injuries. Regardless of your specific corneal issue, Dr. Chu and the caring team at Chu Vision Institute will provide a full eye evaluation and any needed testing to determine your personalized course of treatment to improve your eye health.
Surgical Technique For DSEK
DSEK is an outpatient procedure lasting about 45 – 60 minutes, performed at Chu Vision Institute. First, numbing drops will be used to anesthetize your eyes to help keep you comfortable, and light sedation may be administered. Then, Dr. Chu will make a small incision at the edge of the cornea to allow him to retrieve and remove the damaged or injured section. Next, he will utilize a special instrument to insert a very thin sample of healthy donor tissue into the same tiny opening. A gas or air bubble will be used to secure the tissue into place. The incision should heal up on its own so stitches are typically not needed. Afterward, a bandage contact lens may be placed over your eye.
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Whar To Expect After DSEK
For patients who qualify, DSEK can be an ideal option to treat corneal disease because it has a lower rejection risk and shorter recovery time than a traditional full-thickness transplant. After your procedure, our team will give you detailed post-operation guidelines for at-home care, such as keeping your head facing up for the next couple of days.
It is critical to follow these instructions and attend any follow-up appointments at Chu Vision Institute to ensure proper healing and check for potential complications. With DSEK, you should begin to notice improved vision after the first two months, and you can expect to achieve 20/40 vision within about 5 – 6 months.
A Clear Choice For Corneal Surgery
DSEK can effectively treat corneal swelling and blurred vision in patients with corneal damage or disease. With this innovative method for a partial-thickness corneal transplant, damaged cells are removed and replaced with a healthy donor graft. Find out if you are a candidate for DSEK by reaching out to Chu Vision Institute in Bloomington, MN to schedule an appointment with Dr. Chu.
Board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Ralph Chu is a fellowship-trained corneal specialist and a nationally recognized leader in refractive and cataract procedures. His specialty areas include cataract, LASIK, cornea, and minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries for patients in the Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Twin Cities areas.
Client Testimonials
I was diagnosed with a cataract in my left eye in February 2005 eye doctor set me up with Dr Chu who did the surgery. I had worn glasses since the 50’s after surgery I no ...
Brenda H.
PRK was the best decision I have ever done. I wouldn’t have explored surgery options with any other clinic or surgeon. Eye surgery is nerve racking, but Dr Chu and his tea...
Ciarra
I had the most amazing experience at Chu Vision! Every aspect of my journey getting the Light Adjustable Lens' to correct my vision was wonderful. Can't say enough of Dr Chu and...
Maria B.
Dr. Chu is an excellent doctor. I felt confident in his knowledge and ability as a surgeon. He is a very kind and caring person and felt very comfortable with him. His staff is ...
Carol K.
I knew from the moment I walked into Chu Vision, this would be where I wanted to have my cataracts taken care of. The staffers are very professional, knowledgeable and helpful. ...
Judy T.
Staff are friendly, waiting time is not long. The clinic is run like a well oiled machine!
Barb H.
My vision is fantastic! Amazing stuff!
Darcie N.
I had been in need of cataract surgery for a while. I was having trouble finding a surgeon that I wanted to touch my eyes! Then my son had Laser Surgery at Chu Institute and was...
Pattie H.
Even with my medical background, this was out of my area of expertise, so I was pretty nervous. Quickly I was reassured by their very comprehensive examination, excellent profes...
Orlando
Very thorough, professional, and uplifting
Carolyn S.
The teamwork at the Chu Vision Institute is fantastic. They are careful to answer one's questions, diligent about prepping for surgery, and of course the surgeons are top notch....
Jeffrey S.
I had never had cataract surgery before, so thus was unexplored territory for me. The preparatory videos, however, were invaluable. I had numerous follow-up phone calls from Chu...
Brian M.
I had LASIK done at Chu Vision today. I was so impressed with every step of the process. They have clearly thought of each step of the client experience. I am confident in the f...
Kielyn S.
I have been going to Chu Vision for annual eye appointments for eight years. All annual appointments were done by caring professionals. This year, the need for cata...
Linda U.
Chu Vision was recommended to me by a friend and I could not be happier with the facility and staff. Everyone was always so friendly, you can tell they all really enjoy what the...
Mara M.
Light tunable cataract surgery lens replacement. Satisfied with the results. Can see great at long distance and up close with glasses. Professionally run organization. Everyone ...
Rick M.
I had the EVO ICL procedure done and am so happy with the results!! It’s crazy to think I won’t need contacts or glasses anymore, and waking up each morning being ab...
Andrea E.
This was by far the best eye vision clinic I have ever been to. They are so polite and caring. Dr. Chu absolutely knows what he is doing and so personable. Gr...
JoEllen S.
Absolute the Cadillac of any business I have been a part of. Excellent communication, empathic nurses and techs, excellent doctors, and best of all- my vision! I am blown away b...
Becky H.
If every health care facility operated as seamlessly and as patient oriented as this one, we would have truly compassionate, passionate and professional services that rival none...
Anonymous
I had a refractive lens exchange (RLE) procedure with Chu nearly 2 years ago, and I still think about how much it has improved my day-to-day life nearly every day! I had extreme...
Karla R.
Chu Vision is a highly professional and extremely caring Institute. My cataract surgery went well and Dr. Chu and his entire staff were amazing! They truly cared for...
Sherri R.
I cannot say enough GREAT things about Dr. Chu and the ENTIRE staff at Chu Vision!
I had the Implantable Contact Lens(ICL) procedure done at Chu Vision Institute, and I cannot say enough GREAT things about Dr. Chu and the ENTIRE staff at Chu Vision! I ha...
Jackie O.
I'm taking lessons for my own business in how thorough they are.
I am so impressed with this clinic from start to finish. They are a well-oiled machine, and have clearly considered the patient experience all the way through. I felt comfortabl...
Kielyn S.
I can now drive without glasses.
Chu Vision did a great job. From the initial evaluations through the cataract surgery I had on both of my eyes. Everything went smoothly and as planned. It has now been three mo...
Mike K.
The team there made you feel comfortable and at ease
I had cataract surgery. The care was unbelievable the team there made you feel comfortable and at ease. All my follow up visits was all about my healing process and even the pho...
Willie F.
My life has been forever changed
I walked into Chu Vision and my life has been forever changed. I had been wearing glasses for almost 25years and after doing my research chose Dr. Chu for my surgery. I cannot c...
Bridget V.